But LeBron’s supporters need to brace themselves for a new number on the four-time NBA MVP’s jersey. Instead of the “6”, the “23” will be emblazoned there again in the coming season. The four-time NBA champion had worn this number before. He first switched to the 6 in Miami after the franchise retired the 23 in honor of Michael Jordan, even though the Chicago Bulls superstar never played for the Heat.
From 2014 through 2021, LeBron elected to return to 23 before returning to 6 for the last two seasons.
With the renewed change, LeBron wants to pay tribute to NBA legend Bill Russell, who passed away last year. “It’s LeBron’s decision. He did it out of respect for Bill Russell,” said Rich Paul, an advisor to LeBron.
The NBA had withdrawn his number from the entire league in honor of Russell. Only players who were already playing with the “6” in the NBA before this decision are allowed to carry it on.
LeBron chose not to change numbers last season. “To be able to wear the number 6 this season – I’m not sure I’ll continue to do that, but for now I’ll be wearing it in his honor. That means a lot to me,” he explained this decision last summer.
2023-07-16 07:02:24
#NBA #LeBron #announces #decision
